This Inspiring Australia strategy aims to build a strong, open relationship between science and society, underpinned by effective communication of science and its benefits.
The national strategy has broad objectives that require the widespread support of our science and research agencies, our education providers, our industry and business sector, our cultural and community organisations and many others working together.
As a significant contribution to this national strategy, the Government has provided $21m over three years in the 2011-12 Budget towards an Inspiring Australia program. This funded program is a key element of the overarching strategy towards inspiring Australians to lead the world in science.
Development of the strategy
The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research was asked to develop a national science communication strategy that would address the need for a more coordinated approach to communicating the sciences to all Australians.
National consultations were held with a wide range of science communicators, educators, journalists and scientists in all states and territories. At a meeting of federal, state and territory Innovation Ministers in December 2009, it was agreed to cooperate on developing a coordinated national approach to science communication. The Inspiring Australia report is the result of these consultations along with the examination of recent national and international documents. It proposed a series of recommendations to help develop communication between science and the Australian public
This work was guided by a Steering Committee, comprising the Chief Scientist for Australia, the Chief Executive of CSIRO, the Director of Questacon, a senior representative of the ABC and a Deputy Secretary from DIISR as chair.
The Inspiring Australia report proposes a national strategy for public engagement that will help realise the goals articulated in Powering Ideas: An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century. The report was announced by the Minister on 8 February 2010.
The report is available below.
The strategy in action
Work toward the aims of the Inspiring Australia strategy is underway. A national conference was held in March 2011 to enable a wide range of sectors a variety of opportunities to discuss how action towards the Inspiring Australia objectives could be progressed. To further support the implementation of the Inspiring Australia strategy, Expert working groups have been formed with experts across Australia working together to develop recommendations for enhancing science engagement in focus areas. An electronic newsletter is available to share activities and progress on the strategy.
Contact Details
Please contact us for more information on the Inspiring Australia strategy.